jordan todman

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the best offensive backfields in the NFL, headed by superhuman Adrian Peterson. Toby Gerhart isn’t too shabby either.

Unfortunately, the depth behind No. 28 and No. 32 took hit on Tuesday when the Jacksonville Jaguars signed second-year running back Jordan Todman off of the Vikings’ practice squad.

Todman, who the Vikings signed off of the San Diego Chargers’ practice squad near the end of the 2011 season, was a promising young running back who appeared to have a future in Minnesota as a third-down back. Injuries, however, limited his playing time during the preseason, which allowed fellow second-year man Matt Asiata to lock down the No. 3 running back spot.

The Jaguars signed Todman in hopes of providing depth to a positional group that has been mutilated by injuries. Star runner Maurice Jones-Drew has been hobbled all season long and is currently nursing an ankle injury while Week 12 starter Jalen Parmele was sent to the IR on Tuesday due to a leg injury.

It was expected that Todman would give both Asiata and Gerhart a run for their money as Peterson’s main backup in 2013, but the Jaguars had other plans.

It’s sad to see such promising young talent ripped away from the Vikings, especially by a inept team like the Jaguars. That’s the NFL for you, though.

When you are a blogger, especially a hack blogger, lists can be your best friend. I like lists. I like to use them. They keep me organized and look nice. Columnists often get more creative in how they relay information and opinions, but I stick with lists.

So… not to shock you: I have a list for you.

Here is my list of the top five things I will be watching for in tonight’s matchup against the 49ers:

1. Harrison Smith To Bring The Big Hits

Reports surfaced this week that first round rookie safety Harrison Smith got into it with Percy Harvin over some contact that was made during practice. Smith made some comments following the incident that suggest he may be a little frustrated with practice rules that are keeping him from showing the coaches what he can really do. I look forward to seeing him in action tonight.

2. Moss Reemerges With Niners

I should probably be most concerned with the Vikings and only the Vikings, but I have always enjoyed watching Randy Moss play football regardless of which uniform he is wearing. Tonight he makes his return to the NFL after taking 2011 (and some would argue 2010) off, and I am excited to see how he does. Oh yeah, and it’ll be fun to see the Vikings corners try to blanket the aging Freak.

3. Blair Walsh Kicks Things Off

I think kicker is one of the most underrated positions in football, but some recent contracts being dished out around the league indicate that teams realize the value of having a dependable leg on the roster. Rookie Blair Walsh will be under the microscope all season long and the scrutiny, or praise, will begin tonight. Much has been made of his field goal attempts during training camp (where he seems to be faring pretty well), but after years of watching Ryan Longwell I am equally interested to see if he can boot a kickoff or two out of the back of the end zone.

4. The Young Skill Players

Vikings receiver coach George Stewart recently stated that he thought Manny Arceneaux has improved more over the last year than he has ever seen out of any player. Manny is one of many young offensive skill players I am curious to watch. The young receivers have a chance to make a name for themselves and the third running back spot could be an interesting battle if Jordan Todman or Derrick Coleman can outshine Lex Hilliard.

5. Ponder Is Where It Is At

You guys are going to eventually get tired of me ending my lists this way, but the theme is repetitive because it is a fact: 2012 is all about Christian Ponder.

We had some hopes of getting a look at the rookie running backs on the Vikings roster as of this week, but alas, Jordan Todman and Caleb King are both inactive. Also inactive is tight end Mickey Shuler who re-joined the Vikings roster recently.

The Vikings continue to shut down injured veterans with less than a week remaining in their season.

Guard Steve Hutchinson was placed on injured reserve Tuesday after missing last week’s game against the Redskins due to a concussion.

His roster spot has been filled by running back Jordan Todman, whom was signed away from the Chargers practice squad after they selected him in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Todman replaced Donald Brown as Connecticut’s primary runner in 2010 and performed quite well. At 5’ 9” and 203 pounds he ran a 4.44 at the Combine and showed solid hands during his college years.

With Adrian Peterson indefinitely sidelined the Vikings now have Toby Gerhart, Lorenzo Booker, Caleb King, and Todman rounding out their depth chart.

As far as Hutchinson goes, he may never suit up as a Vikings again, as sad as it is to say. He is owed $6.95 million for 2012, has had injury troubles the last few seasons, is almost 35 years old, and has seen his production decline pretty rapidly of late.

Hutchinson is the only Vikings that is known to have a no-trade clause in his contract.